Ancient Indonesian Foragers May Represent Earliest Evidence of Human Drug Use
Quick Brief
An analysis of two rare skeletons discovered on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has uncovered what could be the oldest known evidence of human drug consumption. Researchers found distinctive tooth wear and chemical traces indicating the individuals regularly sucked on psychoactive betel nuts. This practice dates back approximately 25,000 years.
What Happened?
Scientific analysis of two ancient skeletons from Sulawesi, Indonesia, has revealed unusual tooth wear alongside traces of a psychoactive substance. Investigators determined that the individuals likely consumed hard, abrasive betel nuts on a routine basis, pointing to a long history of human psychoactive substance use dating back 25,000 years.
Why It Matters
The findings provide a significant glimpse into ancient human behavior, pushing back the timeline for documented drug use and cultural practices surrounding psychoactive substances by millennia.
Key Facts
- Research examined two exceptionally rare skeletons from Sulawesi, Indonesia.
- The analysis revealed severe, dramatic tooth wear on the remaining teeth.
- Traces of a psychoactive substance were detected within the dental remains.
- Evidence points to the routine consumption of abrasive betel nuts.
- The findings suggest human drug taking dates back approximately 25,000 years.
Compiled from 2 outlets
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